How can you raise generous children?

Somehow I got to this interesting little article (sorry for whoever I should give a hat tip to!), on how to raise generous children. We all know that philanthropy is important – but it’s easier to cultivate and practice when you start early. These tips come from a study by Independent Sector on what activities are linked with adult giving. The following activities in children lead to a lifetime of generosity:

Seeing an admired person who isn’t a family member help others.

Seeing a family member help others.

Doing volunteer work.

Raising money door to door.

Being active in student government.

Belonging to a youth group, such as the Boy Scouts.

Being active in a religious organization.

Being helped by others.

How do you measure up as a parent? Do you instill values of giving and volunteering in your kids? Whether or not you have kids, do you remember these influences when you were a kid? I attribute my interest and commitment to philanthropy directly to my parents and my religious community – what about you?

Great questions – and who knows how to answer? I’m on a similar journey myself with my young children and would love to hear more about what others are doing to instill goodness in the generations joining us today…